People Converge Here For Natural Diversity

Font Size

Print

Feedback

Email

Discuss

: Located in central Bangalore, the Lalbagh Botanical Garden was established by the legendary ruler of Mysore, Haider Ali (1722-1782), on the model of the Mughal Gardens at Sira, a historical place situated near Bangalore. In 1856, Lalbagh became a government botanical garden. In the necklace of Bangalore parks, Lalbagh is said to be the pendant.

The garden’s 3-km-long pathway is a mix of concrete and mud. The pathway is being further developed by the Bangalore Development Authority, Department of Conservator of Forests, which has also taken charge of the overall development of the garden including its fountains and flora. Besides the garden, Lalbagh also comprises a lake, a glass-house that covers almost 18,000 sq ft of the area as well as a hill. But perhaps what attracts the early morning walkers to this green stretch spread over 240 acres are the expanse of lush lawns, a profusion of flower beds, lotus pools and fountains, and some rare collections of tropical and sub-tropical plants.

Lalbagh also boasts of holding a number of flower shows that are taken care of by the Mysore Horticulture Society as well as the Department of Horticulture, Bangalore. Close to Jaynagar and Bansavangudi, the garden is easily accessible by local transport and is actually surrounded by busy roads. In fact, many commercial complexes have also come around the garden. The garden is open from 6 am onwards on all days of the week. Says Marie King, physical fitness and aerobics instructor at the city’s Regent Gym & Fitness Centre: “A walk in this part of Bangalore is very healthy as one can breathe a lot of fresh air, it is free from pollution and there is plenty of greenery around. I always advise my clients to go for a walk there since it’s desirable to see a lot of greenery while walking as it soothes you, instills a cooler way of thinking and offers a good start to the day.”